Walnut Gulch scorpion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Serradigitus miscionei |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Vaejovidae
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| Genus: |
Serradigitus
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| Species: |
S. miscionei
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| Binomial name | |
| Serradigitus miscionei Ayrey, 2011
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The Walnut Gulch scorpion (scientific name: Serradigitus miscionei) is a very special and rare type of scorpion. You can only find it in the southern part of Arizona, a state in the United States. This scorpion is one of just three kinds of Serradigitus scorpions that live in Arizona.
What Does the Walnut Gulch Scorpion Look Like?
The Walnut Gulch scorpion is quite small. It has a reddish-brown color. Adult female scorpions are usually about 25 millimeters long. That's about the size of a large paperclip!
This scorpion was first found by scientists looking for lizards. They spotted it on the walls of a dry riverbed, called a "wash." This wash leads to the San Pedro River. A scientist named Richard Ayrey officially described this new species on February 1, 2011.
Where Does the Walnut Gulch Scorpion Live and What Does It Eat?
The Walnut Gulch scorpion likes to live on vertical sandy surfaces. This is a bit unusual, as most other scorpion types prefer flat ground.
Like most scorpions, the Walnut Gulch scorpion eats small invertebrates. These are creatures without backbones, like insects. Its venom (or sting) is not known to be dangerous to people, dogs, or other mammals. So, if you ever see one, it's best to observe it from a distance, but there's no need to be scared!
